This chapter from Inside Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R3 begins by providing an overview of the current mobile app landscape and how it relates to AX 2012. It then describes the AX 2012 mobile architecture and the technical and user interface considerations for developing mobile apps. For more detailed instructions about developing mobile apps for AX 2012, see the sources listed in the “Resources” section at the end of the chapter.

In this chapter

Introduction

The mobile app landscape and AX 2012

Mobile architecture

Developing a mobile app

Architectural variations

Resources

Introduction

Device form factors and their associated interfaces are changing rapidly. At the same time, AX 2012 customers have an increasing need to interact with AX 2012 across a broad set of devices. In addition, new technologies are facilitating new scenarios, in which apps that provide personalized information in context are becoming more important for improving employees’ productivity. Microsoft is investing in these new scenarios that let customers work with devices in new ways, and Microsoft Dynamics is taking full advantage of this work.

Microsoft Dynamics is creating new mobile device experiences for AX 2012 customers through apps. These apps are designed to help a broad range of employees improve their efficiency while on the go and stay connected to their business processes. Scenarios include native experiences for both smartphones and tablets. In addition to developing its own apps, Microsoft Dynamics is committed to helping developers build their own immersive device experiences for AX 2012.

These apps can interact directly with AX 2012 by using the existing AX 2012 services framework. This approach also uses existing AX 2012 user accounts so that no additional provisioning is required. For more information about AX 2012 services, see Chapter 12, “AX 2012 services and integration.”

This chapter begins by providing an overview of the current mobile app landscape and how it relates to AX 2012. It then describes the AX 2012 mobile architecture and the technical and user interface considerations for developing mobile apps. For more detailed instructions about developing mobile apps for AX 2012, see the sources listed in the “Resources” section at the end of the chapter.